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"Comedy Connection," wrote the Providence Phoenix, "is our Comedy Central." The winner of the paper's "Best Comedy Club" award for five years running, Comedy Connection lives up to its accolades by populating its stage with a slew of up-and-coming and established comedians. Throughout shows, bartenders sling domestic and imported brews while mixing both basic drinks with Jack Daniels and dessert substitutes, such as s'mores and caramel-apple martinis. Aside from regular standup sets, Comedy Connection?s fundraising program helps members of the community host charitable events that benefit non-profit organizations, youth sports teams, and families in need.

At Lucky's Bar & Grille, the crunch from hand-cut french fries and hearty Irish-American pub fare competes with the cheers from sports games on 16 flat-screen TVs. Grilled pizzas brim with locally sourced tomatoes and exotic toppings such as roasted corn and grilled eggplant, and chefs stir macaroni into thick cheddar cheese sauce. On Friday and Saturday nights, live acoustic music echoes off the hardwood floors as bartenders top off pints of 30 varieties of draft beer at the 35-foot granite-top bar.

9th to the Nth is the final concert in the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra's 2009–2010 classical series. Led by acclaimed conductor Larry Rachleff, the longtime music director for the Rhode Island Philharmonic, the orchestra will allegro and adagio its way through the "Stairway to Heaven" of classical music—Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, featuring the acclaimed "Ode to Joy" choral theme and performed with the assistance of the Providence Singers. The Ninth Symphony was Beethoven's final complete symphony, and, at over an hour, it is his longest. In the 186 years since its original premiere, it has gone on to be one of the world's most recognizable non-Ohio Players pieces of music. Also appearing on the "9th to the Nth" program is Decoration Day, written by American composer Charles Ives.

The Rhode Island Duckpin Bowlers Association strives to keep its namesake sport alive by hosting duckpin-bowling tournaments at six local alleys. The game cropped up in a Baltimore bowling alley in the summer of 1900, when most ten-pin alleys were closed for warm months to avoid excessive sweating in rental shoes. But at Diamond Alleys, athletes hurled balls through the heat but opted for 6-inch spheres and pins of a diminutive stature. After observing pins that scattered like a flock of ducks, the owners of the lanes dubbed the modified game duckpin bowling. Besides granting players three rolls per turn, duckpin bowling adhered to all traditional rules and grew in popularity until it peaked in 1967, the year inertia was exposed as a myth. Today, the Rhode Island Duckpin Bowlers Association keeps the pastime alive at spots including the Bowling Academy, a historical gem in its own right as the test site of the first automatic duckpin pinsetters.

Munch on tasty pub grub at Merrill Cocktail Lounge.
Merrill Cocktail Lounge serves up endless healthy meal options.
Seating is readily available at Merrill Cocktail Lounge for those with large parties.
No need to dress up for a trip to Merrill Cocktail Lounge — the casual restaurant encourages laid-back attire.
Feed the gang at your next get-together with catering from Merrill Cocktail Lounge as well.
Drive to lunch or dinner at Merrill Cocktail Lounge and find easy parking in a lot close by or on the street.
The grub at Merrill Cocktail Lounge is also a downright bargain — most people can chow down for less than $15.

Treat yourself to the most important meal of the day at Avenue N — this casual breakfast haven is a prime spot for your morning pick-me-up.
It s easy to find fare you love at Avenue N, though fat levels are anything but low.
For those searching for something other than a beer or cocktail, be sure to scan the wine list. The restaurant also provides TVs in the bar area, so you can stay entertained with your drink of choice.
Bring the whole family to Avenue N, where kiddos are welcomed with open arms.
The large dining space at Avenue N provides quick and easy seating options for large groups.
Avenue N's outdoor seating is available during the warmer months.
The crowds come out in force on Fridays and Saturdays, so don't neglect to make a reservation ahead of time.
Jeans are just right for a meal at Avenue N, which embraces a casual vibe.
For those in a hurry, the restaurant lets you take your meal or snack to go.
Call Avenue N for catering if you have a big event coming up.
Parking is available at an adjacent lot.
Avenue N is a prime location for cyclists to park their bikes and enjoy a bite to eat.
A night out here can be a bit pricey, so prepare to shell out a bit more.

Groupon Guide

This week’s lineup begins and ends with nostalgia, from a classic summer fair to a '90s-flashback cruise. In between, you can take in live outdoor theater, learn to line dance, and sample coffee-infused cocktails. Don’t forget to check Groupon first for more cool things to do in Boston.
The Bolton Fair
Lancaster | Saturday, August 9–Sunday, August 10
Although the 132-year-old event advertises itself as “an old-fashioned agricultural fair,” it certainly embraces modernity. Case in point: the larger-than-life monster trucks and local rock bands. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of classic carnival rides, adorable animals, and oxen pulls to satisfy traditionalists. (318 Seven Bridge Rd., Lancaster; $10; buy tickets here)
Shakespeare on the Common: Twelfth Night
Downtown | Sunday, August 10, 7 p.m.
Don’t miss the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s last performance of Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare’s merry comedy that centers on love, shipwrecks, and cross-dressing. (Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common; free)
Faneuil Hall Marketplace's Hoedown at the Hall
Financial District | Sunday, August 10, noon
Break out the cowboy boots and spurs for Sunday’s kid-friendly hoedown at Faneuil Hall. Attendees can play corn hole, learn to line dance, listen to live country music, or marvel at the whip tricks of Jack the Whipper. (4 S. Market St.; free)
SoonSpoon Caffeinated Cocktails Pop-Up
Seaport District | Tuesday, August 12, 6:30 p.m.
Who says cocktails make you sleepy? Audubon’s Tyler Wang joins forces with Josh Gerber and Hannah Epstein of 1369 Coffee House to shake up three caffeinated cocktails that bring out the vibrant, earthy flavors of various javas. (WeWork Fort Point, 51 Melcher St.; $30; buy tickets here)
Saved by the Boat 2014
Financial District | Friday, August 15, 8 p.m.
Social Boston Sports is bringing back big hair, scrunchies, and Hammer pants for a '90s-themed cruise. The all-night event begins with an optional karaoke pre-party at Hong Kong Boston (65 Chatham St.) and ends with an after party at Howl at the Moon (184 High St.). The cruise itself features a cash bar and a dance floor fueled by '90s hits. (Cruise departs from Rowes Wharf; $30; buy tickets here)
Bolton Fair image from Facebook; Shakespeare on the Common image from Madeleine Ball (Flickr)

From the funk of Brattle Street to the charm of Harvard Yard, spending an afternoon in Harvard Square is always welcome. Grab a book from the Coop and spend some time solo - or meet up with friends for a fun afternoon in Cambridge.
Harvard Square is a mecca of vintage goodness, taverns and coffee shops, and bookstores. The beauty of Harvard Yard spills throughout the Square - brick, cascading trees, and street art. Here are a few of my favorite things to do while in Harvard Square.
Drink and eat. There’s no shortage of restaurants and bars in Harvard Square. It can be tricky to decide where to go! If you’re looking for upscale dining, nothing compares to Rialto, a restaurant by Chef Jody Adams tucked into the Charles Hotel. The menu is developed around seasonal foods and the dishes are always delicious and unique. Just down the road, the newly opened Beat Hotel features a stage for live music and a varied menu - with choices ranging from the earth bowl to the tandoori spiced halibut. By the same owners as The Beehive, the bar is expansive and invites you to stay for a drink - or two. If you’re looking for a quick meal on the go Clover Food Lab fits the bill. Personal favorites include the chickpea fritter and rosemary fries. Naturally, you’ll want to top off a meal with a little sweet. L.A. Burdick’s is a favorite winter spot - from the drinking chocolate to perfect chocolate truffles, you’ll want to cozy up for hours. You may have to wait for a seat, but it’s well worth it.
Shop around. Whether you’re looking for a perfect pair of well-loved vintage cowboy boots or a funky lace top, Oona’s has you covered. Along Massachusetts Ave., you’ll find this quaint shop set back from the street. It’s on the smaller side and may stretch the budget - but the carefully curated collection features some incredible finds. A few blocks away, you’ll find yourself at Forty Winks, a beautifully appointed lingerie boutique featuring silky robes to lacey bras and little things in between. If you’ve had your fill of clothing, you will want to pop over to to Harvard Book Store, where you can browse for the newest non-fiction or a journal to take to a coffee shop. If you feel overwhelmed by the large selection, you may want to stop over at Raven Used Books for quieter experience.
End it on a high note. It would be too bad to leave Harvard Square without a dose of music. My absolute favorite spot is Club Passim. The intimate space means every seat feels like the front row. Club Passim is where many big names get their start, including legendary performers Joan Baez and Bob Dylan.
Finally, take some time to stroll through the beautiful Harvard campus. The grassy lawn and historic buildings are gorgeous - you’ll want to bring your camera.
Explore even further with deals on things to do in Boston.

Pizza is one of the most beloved foods out there—and one of the most debated. Luckily, Boston is on somewhat neutral ground. Although the city has no signature pizza style of its own, it’s not hard to find Chicago-style deep dish and New York–style thin crust, as well as brick-oven, classic Italian, and innovative gourmet pies scattered across town. Here are a few of the restaurants that define Boston’s pizza scene:
For Traditional Pies and Boston Flavor: Santarpio’s Pizza
Santarpio’s Pizza (111 Chelsea St.) is located in East Boston, affectionately known as Eastie, and has been slinging crisp-crust pizza since 1903. In true Boston spirit, the restaurant isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s brimming with Boston accents and attitudes but also incredible pizzas and house-barbecued sausages and lamb. The pizzas have a satisfying crunch and tremendous flavor, and locals know the crust only gets better when you request it “well done.” The toppings are not fancy, but they include simple, Old-World classics like garlic, onions, or pepperoni.
For Brick-Oven Perfection: Regina Pizzeria
Regina Pizzeria is not to be overshadowed, though, especially the original North End location (11 1/2 Thatcher St.). Regina’s opened in 1926, when Italian immigrants were starting to establish their presence in the area. Its founders brought their traditional brick ovens over from the old country. These ovens fire each pie until it has a chewy crust rich with flavor; the pizzas are also piled with tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and satisfying toppings. Imported meats and fresh veggies are in supply at Regina’s multiple restaurants, ensuring every person in your party gets exactly what they want. Lines can get long at the original location, but the experience is well worth it.
For a Simple Slice: Ernesto’s Pizza
The North End is also home to Ernesto’s Pizza (69 Salem St.). Since 1984, Ernesto’s has embraced the classic tradition of pizza, hand-making its dough and sauce. Its gigantic slices—cut from 18-inch pies—are delightfully chewy, with a clean-pure tasting crust and freshly grated cheese. Everything on these pies melds in harmony, making it the best vehicle for my favorite topping, spicy and tangy banana peppers.
For a Modern 'Za: Otto
Of course, no roundup of pizza spots in Boston would be complete without mentioning Otto. Otto has embraced the “new” style of pizza that emphasizes fancier toppings adorning a thin crust. Native to Portland, Maine, Otto has taken the Boston area by storm, opening three locations in just a couple of years. Its crunchy crust (also available in a gluten-free version) is the backdrop for red sauce or no sauce at all, assorted meat and vegetarian toppings, and melted goat’s-milk or cow’s-milk cheese. My favorite combination here is butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and cranberry, which creates an unconventional masterpiece of sweet, tangy, creamy, and acidic flavors. Otto specializes in creating topping combinations such as these, and each is done to perfection.
Photos by Fiona Coxe